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DRAM 2000 (UGA)
Appreciation of Dramatic Art (3 semester hours)

This course can be taken
    -> as a print course

Lessons for this course can be submitted and/or be returned
    -> via U.S. mail

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Aesthetics and craft of the theatrical experience on stage, screen, and television. Discussions and analyses of all aspects of the theatrical arts; critical viewing of performances both in and out of class with written analyses. May not be used for credit towards the drama major.

Requirements: Ten lessons, one examination.

Instructor: Harold M. Leaver, M.F.A., The University of Georgia.

Texts: Barranger, Milly S. Theater: A Way of Seeing (6th ed.). Thomason Wadsworth, 2006.

Gurney, A.R. Sylvia. New York: Dramatists Play Service, Inc., 1996.

Shakespeare, William. A Midsummer Night's Dream (2nd rev.ed.). Wolfgang Clemen, Ed. New York: Signet Classics, 1998.

Williams, Tennessee. A Streetcar Named Desire. New York: Dramatists Play Service, Inc., 1981.

Overview of the Course

Appreciation of Dramatic Art is a study of live theatre and how it is produced, how it has developed historically and culturally, and how it is evaluated and analyzed. This is primarily a survey and theory class, but it also includes the study of individual contributors to the art form and of particular plays, as well as an analysis of the theatre-going experience.

The title of our textbook, Theatre: A Way of Seeing, signals our approach in this course. Theatre is a complex and living art and exists truly only on the stage and in the moment of its being experienced. Because of this, no book can truly contain the artform, it can only describe all the elements that constitute the theatrical experience. Through this course, we will increase our awareness of theatre, study how we respond to it, develop an understanding of its history and the role of its collaborators, and expand our theatrical vocabulary. Our ultimate goal then, is to increase our appreciation as we witness the theatrical art.

There are ten lessons and a final exam in this course. Each lesson is made up of reading assignments, lesson objectives, and a written assignment. Each written assignment will consist of essay questions that ask you to apply the information you have gleaned from the reading assignment. Essays should be properly constructed, with a thesis statement, supporting paragraphs with specific examples, and a conclusion; spelling and the proper usage of punctuation and grammar are a must. Each written essay should be no longer than two pages, with the exception of assignment #2 in Lesson 10. All written assignments must be typed!

The lessons also include terms and names that you are expected to learn; please note that some of these appear in more than one lesson! You should look for the new information presented on these duplicate terms and incorporate it into your definition or identification. You will be responsible for knowing these on the final exam. I recommend that you create flashcards with these terms and names and review them often.

Each lesson is worth 20 points. The final exam will be worth 50 points. You can divide your total number of points by 2.5 to compute your final percentage. Here is our grade breakdown:

A = 90–100%
B = 80–89%
C = 70–79%
D = 65–69%
F = less than 65%

Please note that IDL policy requires you to pass the final examination, regardless of grades earned on lessons. You are responsible for knowing and abiding by IDL policies and procedures. See your Student Handbook for detailed information.